Qatar censures Saudi Arabia’s offer to transport pilgrims to Mecca
Doha has said that Saudi Arabia must permit Qatar’s own airlines to transport Hajj pilgrims to Mecca rather than forcing them to rely on the kingdom's national carrier, Saudi Arabia Airlines.
"It is usual and customary for pilgrims to be transported from any country by means of national air, land and sea transportation in that country," said information director at Qatar's Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ahmed al-Rumaihi, on Monday.
The remark was made following Qatar’s denial of having blocked Saudi flights from landing in the emirate to take pilgrims to the annual Hajj in the kingdom, after Saudi Arabian Airlines claimed that one of its airliners had been prevented from landing at Hamad International Airport in Doha.
Read More:
- Qatar denies blocking Saudi Arabian flights for Hajj
- Saudi Arabia claims Qatar blocking flights to Mecca
- Saudi Arabia attributes ‘false’ claim on Hajj to Qatar
Last week, Riyadh announced that it would open its borders with Qatar to allow Muslim pilgrims reach the holy city of Mecca to perform Hajj but it imposed several travel restrictions, including flying in only on airlines approved by Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates cut their diplomatic ties and transport links with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of sponsoring terrorism. Doha rejects the claim.
The boycotting countries also closed their airspace to flag carrier Qatar Airways. The airline has stopped using the airspace of those countries ever since, rerouting flights and using alternative paths, including through Iranian skies.
"Saudi Arabia should lift the embargo on the State of Qatar without restriction and enable ... Qatar to oversee its haj contingent and the transportation of Qatari pilgrims via their choice of airlines, Qatar Airways or otherwise," Ahmed al-Rumaihi.
Hamas denies reports about political bureau relocation to Turkey as false
Qatar: Reports about withdrawal from Gaza mediation, Hamas exit from Doha ‘inaccurate’
FM strongly condemns meddlesome EU-GCC statement against Iran
VIDEO | Sydney protests demand action as Israel faces ICC warrant for war crimes
Iran to host ‘important’ ECO foreign ministers' meeting in Mashhad
Wounded in Israeli strike, health of Kamal Adwan Hospital's director worsens
VIDEO | Press TV's News Headlines
Iran reports 11% drop in domestic red meat supply
Arab League affirms support for Iraq amid Israel's threats of military action
VIDEO | Fierce fight in Southern Lebanon
Over 1000 medics killed in Gaza as Israel systematically targets hospitals
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
